Rep. Jonathan Kyle

Maddy summaryHB 2975 updates West Virginia's optometry licensing laws to modernize practice standards. It permits licensed optometrists to perform certain eye procedures they've been trained on through accredited programs (including those taught at 50% of accredited schools), expands their ability to prescribe specific oral medications (like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories) from a board-approved formulary, and clarifies scope of practice definitions. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists in West Virginia by updating their legal authority to examine, diagnose, and treat eye conditions. Key provisions include revising drug prescribing rules, defining "appendages" (eyelids, conjunctiva, etc.), and adding new sections to align with current optometric education standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2388 would amend West Virginia's wage and hour law to exempt seasonal ski area workers from standard maximum hour requirements. Specifically, it adds a new exemption for employees working less than seven months per year at ski areas, excluding them from overtime and hour limits under §21-5C-3. This directly affects seasonal workers at ski resorts during their limited operational seasons. The bill does not change minimum wage rules but modifies hour restrictions for this specific group of workers. The exemption applies only to those employed seasonally, as defined in the new provision.

Maddy summaryHJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $50,000. This would exempt the first $50,000 of assessed value on residential property (or mobile homes) owned by qualifying residents - those aged 65+ or permanently disabled - as their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2025 general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly reduce property tax burdens for eligible homeowners.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires West Virginia public schools to designate shared restrooms and changing areas exclusively for students based on the sex assigned at birth, as listed on their original birth certificate. It mandates that schools provide single-occupancy restrooms as a "reasonable accommodation" for students unable to use designated facilities, but prohibits access to restrooms designated for the opposite sex. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for school officials like principals or superintendents, with parents able to sue if students encounter opposite-sex individuals in designated areas without permission. The bill excludes accommodations needed under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for young children requiring physical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2459 expands eligibility for West Virginia secondary school athletic and extracurricular activities to home-schooled students, Hope Scholarship participants, and microschool learners. It requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission to create rules allowing these students to join public school activities if they meet academic standards (fourth stanine test results), are under 19 by August 1, participate as amateurs, and comply with commission rules. Private school students may also join public school activities if their private school doesn't offer the same activity. The bill mandates that all participants pay reasonable fees and adhere to the same requirements as public school students. This policy directly affects non-public school students seeking athletic and extracurricular participation.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires the West Virginia State Auditor to conduct financial audits of all county boards of education. The bill mandates these audits cover every source of income or funds received by school districts, including local property taxes, state allocations, and federal grants. This policy change directly affects all 55 county school boards across West Virginia by expanding audit requirements beyond previous limitations. The State Auditor must now review all financial records related to these funds, ensuring comprehensive oversight of public education funding. The bill aims to standardize financial accountability for school district finances statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 2127, titled the "West Virginia Women's Bill of Rights," defines "sex" in state law as biological sex (male or female) at birth, excluding gender identity, and requires replacing the word "gender" with "sex" in all state statutes. The bill permits state entities to maintain single-sex environments - such as sports teams, locker rooms, shelters, and domestic violence services - without violating anti-discrimination laws, citing biological differences as justification. It also mandates that state agencies collecting data on sex (for public health, crime, or other purposes) must classify individuals as male or female based on these definitions, ensuring consistency in data collection. The bill applies to all state laws, regulations, and public institutions that classify people by sex or collect sex-related data.